Crow Rory Atkins isn’t worried about his contract situation, despite a current AFL freeze on negotiations

Rory Atkins is one of many footy players in contract limbo because of the AFL’s freeze on any new deals. But the Crow and his manager aren’t concerned.

Rory Atkins of the Crows speaks during the press conference at Crows headquarters, West Lakes. Picture: AAP Image/David Mariuz.

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Out of contract at seasons end, and if 2020 was any other year Adelaide Crow Rory Atkins would have a new deal well and truly on his mind right now.

But the freeze on contract negotiations because of COVID-19’s impact on the AFL means the 25-year-old has no need to think about a new deal at West Lakes, as he prepares for footy’s resumption next week.

Atkins is one of a number of Crows whose deals are up at the end of 2020, headlined by club champion Brad Crouch.

After Adelaide’s third full group contact training session since the coronavirus imposed shutdown, Atkins said because of the AFL’s decision to suspend any new contracts he had shunted any new deal of his own to the back of his mind.

“At the minute the league has never been in this position before, so contracts can’t be negotiated until we know what the playing list, the salary cap and other aspects of the footy department are decided so at the minute I think the AFL is just worried about getting the games up and running,” he said.

“And once that kicks in the secondary problems like contracts and that they will be able to look at.

“If it was a normal season I would know that a contract could be done but now it can’t so you know the only possible thing to do is play footy.

“It can’t be done at the moment so there is no point in worrying about it.”

Despite his contract expiring at the season’s end, and a freeze on new deals, Rory Atkins says he is just focusing on footy getting back up and running. Picture Sarah Reed.

Atkins’ manager Robbie D’Orazio told The Advertiser he and Crows list manager Justin Reid, while limited in what they can do, were in regular contact about Atkins and the other Adelaide players he manages.

D’Orazio also said a looming role change for Atkins would excite Crows fans when footy resumes.

“I am really excited to see Rory play. He looks strong and was running well in the break,” he said.

“If he can play more inside (midfield) which I anticipate, I think he can be even more damaging. I think he is in for a big season.

“Obviously we are limited in what we can do but Reidy and I are talking all the time on all my players.”

While players such as Atkins are in a state of limbo as expected list cuts are still to be worked out, the Calder Cannons product has the big advantage of four seasons in a row where he has played at least 20 games.

After playing in Round 1, the shutdown has Atkins two games away from 100 matches for the Crows.

In isolation he marked what should have been his milestone match against Brisbane with a homemade video in isolation featuring him running through a banner and getting ‘chaired’ off in his backyard.

His 100th match is set to come on the Gold Coast when the Crows fly out to their Queensland hub.

“It looks like being surrounded by everyone at the footy club (for the milestone),” Atkins said.

Originally published as Crow Rory Atkins isn’t worried about his contract situation, despite a current AFL freeze on negotiations